The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has called for urgent action to stop further measles outbreaks across the country.
The health body has urged parents to check if their children have received the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine as cases rise.
There have been 216 confirmed cases and 103 probable cases of measles in the West Midlands since last October. Around 80 per cent of cases were identified in Birmingham and around 10 per cent in Coventry, the majority in children under 10 years old.
Now Professor Dame Jenny Harries has stressed that “immediate action” must be taken to “drive uptake of MMR”.
Here, we look at everything you need to know about measles, from signs and symptoms to treatment options.
What is measles?
Measles is a highly infectious viral disease which, if left untreated, can lead to serious complications, the NHS says.
Anyone can get measles if they have not been vaccinated or have not had it before. However, it is more common in young children.
What are the symptoms?
Measles symptoms develop between 10 and 14 days after exposure to the virus, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Early symptoms, which usually last 4 to 7 days, include:
• Runny nose
• Cough
• Red and watery eyes
• Small white spots inside the cheeks.
Some children develop 'Koplik spots' (small white spots on a red background inside the mouth) a day or two before a rash with reddish-brown spots appears.
This usually starts in the head or upper neck before spreading to the rest of the body, the NHS states.
Map reveals where measles cases are rising across the UK
What are some of the complications of measles?
The NHS says measles can cause serious problems if it spreads to other parts of the body, such as the lungs or brain.
Measles complications can cause:
•Pneumonia
• Meningitis
• Blindness
• Convulsions (fits)
How is measles spread?
According to the NHS, the measles virus is contained in millions of small droplets that come from the nose and mouth when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
This means you can easily get measles by inhaling these droplets or by touching a surface where the droplets have landed and then placing your hands near your nose or mouth.
People with measles are infectious from the time symptoms develop until about four days after the rash first appears.
Can measles be prevented?
The most effective way to prevent measles is with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Most children in the UK receive the MMR vaccine; The first dose is offered at 13 months and the second at three years and four months.
Adults and older children can be vaccinated at any age if they have not been fully vaccinated before.
For more information about vaccination, the NHS advises consulting your GP.
You can learn more about the dangers of unvaccinated children here.
How is it treated?
The NHS says there are several things you can do to help relieve symptoms and reduce the risk of spreading the infection.
These include:
- Take paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve fever, aches and pains (aspirin should not be given to children under 16 years of age)
- Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
- Close curtains to help reduce light sensitivity.
- Use damp cotton to clean the eyes.
- Do not attend school or work for at least 4 days after the rash first appears
In severe cases, especially if there are complications, you or your child may need to be hospitalized for treatment.
For more information, visit the NHS website here.
